London in October: Weather, Outfits & Things to Do (2025)
PLANNING A TRIP TO LONDON IN OCTOBER?
I lived in London for 5 years and the great thing about visiting London in October is that the weather is not too cold yet but it is not crowded with tourists!
The average temperature is between 9-15 °C (48-59 °F) in October. As the weather is not too cold, it is a good time for outdoor activities and to explore the city.
October is shoulder season, and during this time, the prices for hotels and flights are cheaper. So, October is a great time to visit if you want to travel at a time when the prices are lower and the city is not busy with tourists.
The best things to do in London in October is to go sightseeing, visit a museum exhibition, watch a show at the West End, hang out at a market, and watch a film at the BFI London Film Festival.
So, here is everything you need to know about visiting London in October, including the weather, what to wear, and best things to do!
London Weather in October
October is Autumn season in London, and the weather starts to turn cold. The beginning of October can be warm, but towards the end of the month, it can get pretty cold.
The days in October start to get shorter and get dark earlier. The sunrise in London in October is around 7 am and the sunset is between 4:30-6:40 pm.
London Temperature in October
The average temperature is between 9-15 °C (48-59 °F) in London in October. The temperature drops in October, but it is still not too cold.
The average daytime temperature is around 15 °C (59 °F), so the weather remains good to explore London outdoors. Although, it is good if you have clothes that you can wear in layers.
Temperature drops to around 9°C (48 °F) in the evenings, so it is good to have jacket for the nights. There is also a chance of rain, so make sure to also have an umbrella.
Is London Cold in October?
The weather starts to turn cold in October but it is not too cold yet. The average daytime temperature is 15 °C (59 °F) and there is still sunshine during the day.
The temperature gets cold towards the end of October, so you need to pack warmer clothes if you visit towards the end of the month.
Is London Rainy in October?
It rains some in London in October but it is not the rainiest month. London is known for its rainy weather and generally you can expect some rain at anytime during the year.
Is October a Good Time to Visit London?
Yes, October is a good time to visit London as the weather is not too cold yet and there are not that many tourists in the city!
October is shoulder season, and it is not just that it is not crowded with tourists, you can also find cheap flights and hotels at this time.
Some of the best things to do in London in October is to go sightseeing, visit a museum exhibition, watch a show at the West End, hang out at a market, and watch a film at the BFI London Film Festival.
Crowds
October is shoulder season in London and during this time, it is not crowded with travellers.
It makes October one of the best times to visit London, as the weather is still good for outdoor activities but the city is not too busy.
Prices
The prices in London in October are low as it is shoulder season. There are less travellers visiting London, so the prices are cheaper for both hotels and flights.
If you are looking for good weather and cheaper prices, then October is a great time to visit London.
🇬🇧 Best Tours in London in October
Book the best London tours for your trip here:
✅ London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
✅ Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
✅ Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip
The Best Things to Do in London in October
SEE THE FAMOUS LANDMARKS
London is famous for its historic landmarks, such as the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Visiting the must-see attractions is one of the best things to do in London, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
London is a walkable city and many of the famous attractions are close to each other, so it makes it nice to explore London on foot.
If you go to the area around Waterloo and Westminster, you can check out the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliaments, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, St. James’ Park, and the Buckingham Palace (+ Changing of the Guards).
In and around the West End, you can explore Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Leicester Square, and the British Museum is also nearby.
The area around Tower Bridge (including the Tower of London) can also be explored in one go as they are located close to each other.
For visiting the London Eye, it is best to get a fast track ticket as the queues can be very long. Once you are on it, you get a really nice view of the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.
VISIT THE KEW GARDENS
- Kew Gardens Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm every day
- Kew Gardens Tickets: GBP 20-24 (depending if you buy it online/in person and if for weekday or weekend)
The best time to visit the Kew Gardens is in the Spring, but there are seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year, so it is a good place to visit even in October.
The Kew Gardens is the largest botanical garden in the world and has over 50,000 plants and. It covers a large area and you could spend up to a whole day here.
Some of the best places to check out at the Kew Gardens is the Palm House, Treetop Walkway, Kew Palace, Great Broad Walk Borders, and the Temperate House.
There is also a train that goes around the botanical garden, so if you get tired, it is a good alternative to get some rest. The train ticket costs GBP 6.50 (USD 8).
HANG OUT IN CAMDEN
Camden is a fun places in London with vintage shops, food stalls, second-hand bookshops, restaurants and pubs.
The Camden Market is a great place to buy something unique and funny, or to get a souvenir to take home! If you love books, it is a great place to browse books and find some second-hand books at a cheap price.
From Camden, there is also a footpath along the Regent’s Canal which is great to spend some time in nature. It is a very peaceful environment for a walk and you can even take a boat from Camden to Little Venice.
WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE SKY GARDEN
The Sky Garden is located on the 35th floor of the “Walkie-Talkie” (Fenchurch building) in London and it has great views of London.
The entry to the Sky Garden is free but you have to reserve the tickets in advance. The tickets are released up to 3 weeks ahead and you have to book a specific time slot.
If you just go to the Sky Garden without reserving a ticket, you might not get in if there are many people. So, to guarantee your entry, the best is to reserve your ticket in advance.
The best time to go to the Sky Garden is at sunset! You get 360 degrees views of London and some of the famous attractions, such as the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.
The Sky Garden is a nice alternative to the Shard if you want to see the London skyline, but don’t want to pay the entry fees for the Shard.
VISIT A MUSEUM EXHIBITION
I loved going to museums when I lived in London. London is full of history and culture and there are so many museums in the city.
The best part is that the entry is free to most of the permanent exhibitions, and you only have to pay for the temporary exhibitions.
Some of the best museums in London are:
- British Museum: collection includes ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects
- Victoria and Albert Museum: collection includes ceramics, jewellery, photography)
- National Gallery: paintings
- Tate Modern: modern and contemporary art
- Tate Britain: British art from year 1500 to present
- Natural History Museum: palaeontology, zoology, botany collections
- Science Museum: technological, scientific, medical collections
If you stay in London long-term, you can even get a yearly membership to most of the museums. With a membership pass, you get entry to all the exhibitions.
WATCH A PLAY AT THE WEST END
Watching a play at the West End is a great activity all throughout the year, especially when the weather starts to turn cold outside!
The West End is known for some of the best theatre plays in London and many people come to London just to see a theatre show at the West End.
Some of the most popular plays are Wicked, Hamilton, Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and the Phantom of the Opera.
The tickets for a show at the West End cost between GBP 30-210 (USD 40-270). Try to book the show well in advance and you may be able to get better prices.
Another way to get a cheaper theatre ticket is if you go to the ticket booth in the morning. You might be able to get a discounted ticket for a lesser-known show for the same day, although it is not guaranteed.
SHOP AT A MARKET
London has many markets that are nice places to hang out at or to shop for vintage clothes, antiques, artworks, jewellery, street food and drinks.
Some of the best markets in London are Portobello Road Market, Spitalfields, Brick Lane, Covent Garden, and the Columbia Road Flower Market.
The Columbia Road Flower Market is a less touristy market and it is the best place to shop for flowers! It runs every Sunday from 8 am to around 3 pm, and there are also some vintage shops and cafes that are nice places to hang out.
In Covent Garden there are lots of restaurants, bars, shops and theatres. It is located in central London and if you check out the small allies in the area, you can also find some hidden gems. There are usually street performers in Covent Garden that are fun to watch.
The Borough Market is known for its food market, so it’s a great place to visit if you love food and snacking. They sell really good cheese, cured meat, bakery items, fresh fruits and vegetables.
GO ON A DAY TRIP
Going on a day trip is a great way to see more of England! The weather is starts to turn cold in October but it is not too cold yet.
I have always loved it about London that is well-connected to other English towns and it is easy to visit other places from London. There are many trains and buses that offer a reliable options.
There are a couple of places near London that are perfect for a day trip, and you can even extend them for a 2-3 day trip if you have more time.
Some of the best places to visit for a day trip from London are Brighton, Hastings, Bath, Windsor, Stonehenge, Oxford, and Canterbury.
Some companies run day trips where they include transport and a guide for the day. If you prefer to go on your own, the trains are a safe and convenient way to get around England.
GO TO A PUB
London is known for its pubs and you can find one just about anywhere! In many pubs they also have live music or comedy shows.
You can catch some really good bands playing in London pubs even for free. I miss watching bands play in London and sometimes, the bands you see for free, later go on to become very famous!
For pubs in the city center, the Porterhouse and the The Lamb & Flag are typical British pubs near Covent Garden.
If you are visiting Camden, check out the Hawley Arms (where Amy Winehouse used to hang out), Elephant’s Head, and the Dublin Castle. They usually also have live music on!
There are also some cool pubs in East London! Pubs in places like Dalston, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch are great, and you can check out the Shacklewell Arms, The Victoria, and The Three Crowns.
GO ON A WALKING TOUR
A walking tour is one of the best ways to see a new place! Going on a walking tour in London is great as you get a guide and you can learn things about London you probably would not heard of otherwise.
The weather starts to turn cold in October, so make sure to dress in layers for a walking tour in the autumn. It might also rain, so it is good to have an umbrella too.
There are many different types of walking tours in London, such as historic sightseeing tours, pub tours, street art tours, or even a British music tour! Depending on which walking tour you book, the tours last between 1.5-2 hours.
✅ Book a Walking Tour in London here!
CHECK OUT THE HARRY POTTER FILM STUDIOS
The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios is a fun place for both kids and adults, and is totally worth checking out if you like the Harry Potter books and movies!
The Harry Potter tour usually takes 7 hours and you get to see the behind the scenes, set and costumes at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford.
Watford is near London and if you prefer to plan the trip on your own, you can take the train from London Euston Station to Watford Junction.
Once you get to Watford Junction, there are shuttle buses every 30 minutes that go between Watford Junction and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios.
There are also tours organized to visit the Harry Potter Studio, which takes the pressure off organizing it yourself. However, the tours have a set schedule, so you may not have a much time than as if you went on your own.
✅ Book the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour here!
GO UP THE SHARD
- View From the Shard Ticket Cost: GBP 32-38 (General entry), GBP 45-51 (All inclusive entry)
The Shard is the tallest building in London and the views are pretty great from the top! It is one of the best places to see the sunset and you get a 360 degree view of London.
The Shard is a great place to visit if you want to celebrate a special occasion or it’s your only time in London.
They also have restaurants and bars at the top, and it is open from 11 am to 7-8 pm on most days, except for Saturdays when it is open until 10 pm.
You have to book your ticket in advance for a specific time and date. Make sure you arrive a little bit before your scheduled time as if you arrive late (more than 15 minutes late), they could charge a rebooking fee.
TAKE A BOAT TOUR ON THE THAMES
A river cruise on the Thames is a nice way to see London! There are many famous buildings along the river, such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.
The London river cruises usually last between 1-2 hours and includes a guide, so you get to learn about London’s history.
There are also public boats in London that go through pretty much the same route as the paid cruises.
The public boats are run by the Uber Boats by the Thames Clippers. If you don’t want to pay for a river cruise, the public boats are a great option. You get to go on a cruise and see the city for a cheap price.
TRY BRITISH FOOD
The food scene in London is very diverse and you can find many restaurants that serve food from all around the world, such as Indian, Italian, Mexican and more!
Trying the local cuisine is a must in any new place. So, while you are in London, try as much local food as possible.
Some of the most famous British food are the English Breakfast, Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and the Sunday Roast.
The Shepherd’s Pie is like a casserole made with ground meat, mashed potato and vegetables. Sometimes they also call it “cottage pie” but it refers to the same dish.
The Sunday Roast is a traditional British meal on Sundays and it consists of roast meat (beef, chicken, pork or lamb), potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire Pudding (pastry).
The tradition to have Sunday Roast goes back centuries and it started as a meal to bring the family together. Blacklock and Hawksmoor are great places to try Sunday Roast in London.
There is also Secret Food Tour in London where you can have the best British food while also exploring London!
✈️ London Trip Planning
Ready to book your trip to London? Plan your trip with my favourite travel resources:
✔️ SafetyWing: Get travel insurance here!
✔️ Booking.com: Book accommodation here!
✔️ GetYourGuide: Book activities here!
Tips for Visiting London in October
What to Wear in London in October
Clothes to Pack for London in October:
- Jacket options: Trench coat, leather jacket, wind jacket
- Sweaters, cardigans, knitwear
- Short-sleeve T-Shirts
- Long-sleeve T-Shirts
- Jeans
- Trousers
- Dresses
- Sneakers (Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes)
- Umbrella
The average daytime temperature in London in October is 15 °C (59 °F), so while it is not too cold, it is good to pack clothes that you can wear in layers – especially for the evenings!
It also rains some in October, so it is good to have waterproof shoes and an umbrella.
Public Transport in London
The public transport is one of the best ways to get around London. Modes of transport in London include the tube, buses, and trains.
The public transport in London is safe and easy to navigate, and all stations and bus stops have maps for navigation.
To pay for public transport in London, you can use your bank card (contactless payment) or the Oyster Card. If you use your card, make sure that you use the same card when you tap in and tap out.
Taxis in London
Getting a taxi in London is a good option if you want to have some comfort. Taxis in London are safe, although if the traffic is bad, it could take longer than taking the tube.
There are different taxis in London, such as the famous black cabs, Uber and Bolt.
The taxi prices for Uber and Bolt are generally more affordable than black cabs. Although the black cabs are a bit more expensive, they can go on the bus lane, so they go a little bit faster than Uber and Bolt.
Overall, London is a safe city and it is also safe to take taxis. If you take a taxi alone at night, it is considered safer to take black cabs.
Walking in London
London is walkable and I have always found that it is so easy to get around London. Many tourist attractions are located close to each other, so it is great to explore London on foot.
The weather is not too cold in October and is still a great time to explore London on foot. Although it is not so cold, it is good to dress in layers.
Events in London in October
- BFI London Film Festival: 8-19 October 2025
- Frieze London: 15-19 October 2025
- London Literature Festival: 21 October-2 November 2025
- London Restaurant Festival: October 2025 TBC
Hotels in London
Not sure where to stay in London? Check prices and availability for the top hotels for every budget:
📍 Best Hostel: YHA London Central
📍 Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Resident Covent Garden
📍 Best High-End Hotel: The Savoy
London Seasonal Guides
Not sure about visiting London in October? Check out my London seasonal and monthly guides:
London Monthly Guides
- London in January
- London in February
- London in March
- London in April
- London in May
- London in June
- London in July
- London in August
- London in September
- London in October
- London in November
- London in December
FAQs: London in October
Is October a nice time to visit London?
Yes, October is a nice time to visit London as the weather is not too cold yet, and there are less tourists in town.
October is shoulder season in London and the prices for hotels and flights are also cheaper at this time.
Is it very cold in London in October?
No, it is not very cold in London in October but the weather starts to turn cold. The average daytime temperature is around 15 °C (59 °F) and it is good to wear layers, especially in the evenings.
What to wear in London during October?
It is good to wear clothes that you can wear in layers in London during October. For jackets, you can pack a trench coat, leather jacket or a wind jacket.
It can also rain some, so make sure to have waterproof shoes and an umbrella.
Is London worth visiting in October?
Yes, London is worth visiting in October!
It is a good time to visit London as the weather is not too cold yet and it is not crowded with tourists. As October is shoulder season, the prices for hotels and flights are also cheaper.
Some of the best things to do in London in October is to go sightseeing, visit a museum exhibition, watch a show at the West End, hang out at a market, and watch a film at the BFI London Film Festival.
What time does it get dark in London in October?
In the beginning of October, it usually gets dark around 6:40 pm in London. Towards the end of October, the days become shorter, and it usually gets dark around 4:30 pm.
What is the best coat for London in October?
The best coat for London in October is trench coat, leather jacket or wind jacket. All of these options are good, and just depends on your style which one you prefer.
Is it expensive in London in October?
No, it is not expensive in London in October. October is shoulder season and the prices for hotels and flights are cheaper at this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the great thing about visiting London in October is that the weather is not too cold yet but it is not crowded with tourists!
The average temperature is between 9-15 °C (48-59 °F) in October. As the weather is not too cold, it is a good time for outdoor activities and to explore the city.
October is shoulder season, and during this time, the prices for hotels and flights are cheaper. So, October is a great time to visit if you want to travel at a time when the prices are lower and the city is not busy with tourists.
The best things to do in London in October is to go sightseeing, visit a museum exhibition, watch a show at the West End, hang out at a market, and watch a film at the BFI London Film Festival.
Like This Post? Pin It For Later!
